Art and literature are boundary-changers, moving beyond domains defined by society to provoke new systems of thought and social exchange. Citizens of Mississauga are key participants to engage in the story of the city as seen and experienced from multiple points of view.

Roots and Branches is an innovative Artist-in-Residence project which aims to tap into the communities of Mississauga , to connect arts and literature with socially based art projects rooted in experimentation.

The artists are not making art in the library – rather, the artists are using the site of the library as a source for conversation, dialogue and new media to engage citizens about the city, life and ideas. The art is the process and the final material manifestation cumulating in a community presentation and exhibition at the AGM. This project does not privilege one experience over another – rather it supports, encourages and demands multiple backgrounds and voices for its success and determined outcomes.

Faisal Anwar invites residents to participate in mycitystories. How can you re-imagine and re-define Mississauga? What is your story and how can it connect you to the global community? Artist Faisal Anwar presents a platform to engage and tap into the untold stories that each of us carries. See mycitystories.com for more information.

Karen Maze creates a snapshot of the community with Many Faces, One Portrait. Working from Erin Meadows Library, the artist photographed members of the community and select portraits to exhibit at the Roots and Branches exhibition at the Art Gallery of Mississauga. She also invites participation through social media. Follow the hash tag #agmroots on Twitter for weekly photo challenges.